The Hungarian government passed the 2013 budget, which sets a 2.7-percent target for the economic output deficit and projects a 0.9-percent increase in gross domestic product. The budget keeps the existing extraordinary company taxes, which is opposed by the International Monetary Fund. Businesses blame this tax for a lack of investments and economic growth. The tax, which has been used to close budget holes, impacts the banking, energy, retail and telecommunications companies. András Simor, the current head of the Hungarian National Bank, said that the central bank will probably lower its 0.7 percent GDP growth forecast for 2013 in its next inflation report.
